Hamilton 940 dial signatures

January 01, 2010, 21:30

Edward Kitner

Hello,
Does anyone know the date or serial number when the dial signature on the 940 changed from script to the block style?
Thanks
Ed

January 04, 2010, 10:07

Edward Kitner

Even an approximate date will help!

January 04, 2010, 11:26

Tom Brown

Ed

I know I have seen the answer here somewhere before.

Check out this one & see if it helps.

https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/f...151019671#6151019671

Tom

January 04, 2010, 12:25

Edward Kitner

Tom,
Thanks for the tip, that is what I was looking for. I have to learn to think out of the box on these search engines

January 04, 2010, 13:10

Lindell V. Riddle

Ed,

Usually the best way to ask that question is share your movement number asking what dial or dials might be appropriate. Due to the fact that Hamilton and for that matter all the watch companies would build movements out of sequence the time when a particular movement was finished and sold to a retailer can come into play.

We usually associate the "Hamilton" signature, shown in block letters and usually with serifs with being phased in beginning in the 1918 time frame. It is depicted below on the "Blind-Mans" or "BM" dial which was made in both 18 and 16-size with either red five minute or marginal minute outer track and the block letter signature. See the image below which is from the 1918 edition of "The Timekeeper" a Hamilton catalog distributed to consumers.

Prior to about 1905 we find "Hamilton Watch Co." to be the most common then just "Hamilton" in Script or Old English design until the 1918 era as discussed above. Remember the change-over of dial signatures was a slow "phasing-in" process so there can be variables. We must also realize there were variants, private label and contract watches that also deviated from the norm. Nothing is ever exactly one way or another with watches.

Using movement numbers as references, number 1409459 is a 946 from 1921 along with 1430216 which is a rare 948 from 1920 (and notice the higher number was actually finished earlier because the numbers were assigned or as they called it "blocked" out of order) as well as number 1448165 from the last ever run of 940 in 1927 all front dials with the signature shown below. If you share your movement number that might help.

Lindell

1918 edition of "The Timekeeper" introduced a new signature...

January 04, 2010, 18:56

Edward Kitner

Lin,
Thanks to both you and Tom I now have a better idea of what dial, say a 1903 940 should have. Or If I am looking at a 940 made in 1919 I know what the proper dial should be. I also know with only movements being sold, then cased by the jeweler an original to the watch dial could be different. But the vast majority will fall within the specs you and Tom have shown me.
Ed